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Welcome to this special issue of the Journal of Virtual Exchange, featuring eight engaging contributions that highlight the transformative potential of virtual exchange (VE) for education. Arising from works presented at the International Virtual Exchange Conference in 2023, hosted by the Brazilian Association for International Education (FAUBAI) and São Paulo State University (UNESP) in São Paulo, Brazil, this collection consists of seven practice reports and one research article, offering valuable insights into innovative pedagogies, intercultural collaboration, and professional development. We are gratified and delighted to present these works that reflect the increasing diversity and depth of VE practices worldwide.

ABSTRACT Sporothrix sp. is a thermally dimorphic genus of fungi known to cause subacute or chronic subcutaneous lesions in humans and animals and is the cause of increasing public health concern due to spread of feline-associated cases. Here, we adapted and evaluated a recently described real-time PCR assay targeting the β-tubulin gene to rapidly detect and differentiate two related species, S. schenckii and S. brasiliensis. The assay was tested with 55 S. brasiliensis, 19 S. schenckii, and 85 isolates from other clinically relevant fungi, and showed 100% concordance with reference identification methods. The assay showed high analytical sensitivity with a limit of detection of 1 pg of DNA per microliter of sample for both targets. The assay was further evaluated with 11 fresh and 17 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. This multiplex real-time PCR assay successfully detected the DNA from both S. brasiliensis and S. schenckii isolates as well as S. schenckii from fresh and FFPE tissues. Our results demonstrate this assay performs well and could be a helpful molecular tool to support rapid species identification in cultures and primary specimens.IMPORTANCEHaving available molecular tools to identify and differentiate closely related species will allow clinical, veterinarians, and public health labs to provide diagnostic results with accuracy and short turnaround time for the routine and outbreak response activities.

The recent global resurgence of severe infections caused by the Group A streptococcus (GAS) pathogen, Streptococcus pyogenes, has focused attention on this microbial pathogen, which produces an array of virulence factors, such as the pore-forming toxin, streptolysin O (SOT). Importantly, the interactions of SOT with human neutrophils (PMN), are not well understood. The current study was designed to investigate the effects of pretreatment of isolated human PMN with purified SOT on several pro-inflammatory activities, including generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), degranulation (elastase release), influx of extracellular calcium (Ca2+) and release of extracellular DNA (NETosis), using chemiluminescence, spectrophotometric and fluorimetric procedures, respectively. Exposure of PMN to SOT alone caused modest production of ROS and elastase release, while pretreatment with the toxin caused significant augmentation of chemoattractant (fMLP)-activated ROS generation and release of elastase by activated PMN. These effects of treatment of PMN with SOT were associated with both a marked and sustained elevation of cytosolic Ca2+concentrations and significant increases in the concentrations of extracellular DNA, indicative of NETosis. The current study has identified a potential role for SOT in augmenting the Ca2+-dependent pro-inflammatory interactions of PMN, which, if operative in a clinical setting, may contribute to hyper-activation of PMN and GAS-mediated tissue injury.

Phaeoacremonium is a genus of dematiaceous fungi that rarely causes human infections. We describe a case of subcutaneous infection in a 70-year-old diabetic man with lesions on the dorsum of the one foot. The agent was isolated, and for the final identification we performed matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and DNA sequencing. After diagnosis, the patient underwent curettage of the cyst and received 100mg of Itraconazole, twice daily for 6 months. Clinical resolution of the lesion was observed after treatment. This is the first case of infection by Phaeoacremonium venezuelense reported in Costa Rica.

We describe a feline sporotrichosis cluster and zoonotic transmission between one of the affected cats and a technician at a veterinary clinic in Kansas, USA. Increased awareness of sporotrichosis and the potential for zoonotic transmission could help veterinary professionals manage feline cases and take precautions to prevent human acquisition.

ABSTRACTCHROMagar Candida Plus is a new formulation of chromogenic media designed for the detection and differentiation of major clinical Candida species, including Candida auris. The objective of this study is to evaluate CHROMagar Candida Plus when used according to manufacturer’s instructions with a panel of 206 fungal isolates and 83 skin-swab specimens originally collected for C. auris colonization screening. Of the 68 C. auris isolates tested, 66/68 displayed the expected light-blue colony morphology and blue halo within 48 h. None of the remaining 138 non-auris isolates appeared similar to C. auris. CHROMagarCandida Plus was, therefore, inclusive to 97% of 68 C. auris isolates tested and supported visual exclusion of 100% of the 138 non-C. auris isolates tested. For the 83 colonization screening specimens, direct plating onto CHROMagarCandida Plus was 60% sensitive and 100% specific when compared to the enrichment broth gold-standard reference method. In sum, these findings demonstrate the utility of this media when working with isolates but also notable limitations when working with primary skin-swabs specimens when competing yeast species are present.IMPORTANCECandida auris is an emerging fungal pathogen of public health concern. As it continues to spread, it is important to publish evaluations of new diagnostic tools. In this study, we share our experience with a new chromogenic media which can help distinguish C. auris from related species.

Environmental chemicals are a persistent and pervasive part of everyday life. A subset of environmental chemicals are xenoestrogens, compounds that bind to the estrogen receptor (ER) and drive estrogen-related processes. One such chemical, benzophenone-3 (BP3), is a common chemical in sunscreen. It is a potent UV protectant but also is quickly absorbed through the skin. While it has been approved by the FDA, there is a renewed interest in the safety of BP3, particularly in relation to breast cancer. The focus of this study was to examine the impact that BP3 has on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) through alterations to cells in the immune microenvironment. In this study, we exposed female mice to one of two doses of BP3 before injecting them with a TNBC cell line. Several immune endpoints were examined both in the primary tissues and from in vitro studies of T cell behavior. Our studies revealed that in the lung tumor microenvironment, exposure to BP3 not only increased the number of metastases, but also the total area of tumor coverage. We also found that BP3 caused alterations in immune populations in a tissue-dependent manner, particularly in T cells. Taken together, our data suggest that while BP3 may not directly affect the proliferation of TNBC, growth and metastasis of TNBC-derived tumors can be altered by BP3 exposures via the alterations in the immune populations of the tumor microenvironment.

Abstract In Benin, cowpea products are commonly consumed traditional dishes. Urbanization and income changes contribute to eating habit modifications in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Therefore, the aims of this study were (i) to identify factors influencing cowpea consumption and (ii) to document generational changes in cowpea consumption in rural and urban areas. A Food Frequency Questionnaire, which considered nine cowpea‐based dishes classified in three groups (doughnuts, stews, and mixed dishes), was filled in by 1,217 adults in Cotonou (urban area) and in Adjohoun and Allada (rural areas). Sixteen focus group discussions (n = 7–13 participants/each) were also carried out. Cowpea‐based dishes were consumed by 90%–95% of respondents. Socioeconomic and demographic factors had little or no influence on cowpea‐based dish consumption. The main motivations for their consumption were health benefits and satiety provided at low cost. The main barriers to cowpea consumption, identified by participants, were preference for other foods, lack of availability as street food, and ignorance of some traditional dishes. Digestive discomfort was also identified as a factor that reduced the frequency of cowpea‐based dish consumption, but not as a factor of non‐consumption. Changes in cooking methods and consumption patterns were pointed out by the respondents for some of these cowpea‐based dishes with the aim to reduce cooking time or improve the dish attractiveness. Our findings bring knowledge on cowpea consumption in urban and rural areas in the south of Benin that could help to develop strategies for limiting the nutritional transition‐linked decrease of cowpea consumption in the future.

gboma is a leafy vegetable commonly consumed in Benin, which plays an important role in food security. This study assessed the handling and preservation practices as well as quality attributes of gboma along the supply chain in Southern Benin. A survey among 785 people (285 producers, 180 whole salers/retailers, and 326 consumers) living in four Departments of Benin was conducted to evaluate the consumption frequency, the transportation mode, the preservation methods and quality attributes of gboma during purchasing. The survey revealed that, in general, gboma sauce is consumed twice to three times a month in all the departments covered. Different practices, including humidification, were used to preserve the leaves during selling. Traditional baskets or old clothes were used for the transportation and storage of gboma. Important quality attributes mostly used by actors during purchasing were freshness and color followed by physical damage and, to a lesser extent, weight and leaf surface at different degrees. gboma is currently sold in informal markets; however, improving handling and selling practices could preserve the freshness of this leafy vegetable that could then be placed in conventional supermarkets. Thereby, the selling and consequently the production level will increase, with positive impact on the income of producers.

Fungal infections can cause severe disease and death and impose a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems. Public health research requires a multidisciplinary approach and is essential to help save lives and prevent disability from fungal diseases. In this manuscript, we outline the main public health research priorities for fungal diseases, including the measurement of the fungal disease burden and distribution and the need for improved diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines. Characterizing the public health, economic, health system, and individual burden caused by fungal diseases can provide critical insights to promote better prevention and treatment. The development and validation of fungal diagnostic tests that are rapid, accurate, and cost-effective can improve testing practices. Understanding best practices for antifungal prophylaxis can optimize prevention in at-risk populations, while research on antifungal resistance can improve patient outcomes. Investment in vaccines may eliminate certain fungal diseases or lower incidence and mortality. Public health research priorities and approaches may vary by fungal pathogen.

PCB 126 is a pervasive, dioxin-like chemical pollutant which can activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Despite being banned from the market, PCB 126 can be detected in breast milk to this day. The extent to which interindividual variation impacts the adverse responses to this chemical in the breast tissue remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of 3 nM PCB 126 on gene expression in a panel of genetically diverse benign human breast epithelial cell (HBEC) cultures and patient derived breast tissues. Six patient derived HBEC cultures were treated with 3 nM PCB 126. RNAseq was used to interrogate the impact of exposure on differential gene expression. Gene expression changes from the top critical pathways were confirmed via qRT-PCR in a larger panel of benign patient derived HBEC cultures, as well as in patient-derived breast tissue explant cultures. RNAseq analysis of HBEC cultures revealed a signature of 144 genes significantly altered by 3 nM PCB 126 treatment. Confirmation of 8 targets using a panel of 12 HBEC cultures and commercially available breast cell lines demonstrated that while the induction of canonical downstream target gene, CYP1A1, was consistent across our primary HBECs, other genes including AREG, S100A8, IL1A, IL1B, MMP7, and CCL28 exhibited significant variability across individuals. The dependence on the activity of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor was confirmed using inhibitors. PCB 126 can induce significant and consistent changes in gene expression associated with xenobiotic metabolism in benign breast epithelial cells. Although the induction of most genes was reliant on the AhR, significant variability was noted between genes and individuals. These data suggest that there is a bifurcation of the pathway following AhR activation that contributes to the variation in interindividual responses.

Malnutrition is one of the most serious problems throughout the world and children are especially vulnerable. This research aimed at designing a fermented sorghum porridge food-fortified with moringa leaf powder and baobab fruit pulp and assessing mineral bio-accessibility. The food fortification rate was defined according to local population practices and literature. In-Vitro Solubility of minerals was assessed to simulate gastro-intestinal digestion. Acceptability test of the fortified fermented sorghum porridge was assessed both with children (using the facial expression) and their mothers (using sensory attributes). Results (expressed in dry weight) indicate that food fortification increases significantly (p

Background: Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast that is transmitted in healthcare facilities and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Environmental contamination is suspected to play an important role in transmission but additional information is needed to inform environmental cleaning recommendations to prevent spread. Methods: We conducted a multiregional (Chicago, IL; Irvine, CA) prospective study of environmental contamination associated with C. auris colonization of patients and residents of 4 long-term care facilities and 1 acute-care hospital. Participants were identified by screening or clinical cultures. Samples were collected from participants’ body sites (eg, nares, axillae, inguinal creases, palms and fingertips, and perianal skin) and their environment before room cleaning. Daily room cleaning and disinfection by facility environmental service workers was followed by targeted cleaning of high-touch surfaces by research staff using hydrogen peroxide wipes (see EPA-approved product for C. auris, List P). Samples were collected immediately after cleaning from high-touch surfaces and repeated at 4-hour intervals up to 12 hours. A pilot phase (n = 12 patients) was conducted to identify the value of testing specific high-touch surfaces to assess environmental contamination. High-yield surfaces were included in the full evaluation phase (n = 20 patients) (Fig. 1). Samples were submitted for semiquantitative culture of C. auris and other multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Enterobacterales (ESBLs), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE). Times to room surface contamination with C. auris and other MDROs after effective cleaning were analyzed. Results: Candida auris colonization was most frequently detected in the nares (72%) and palms and fingertips (72%). Cocolonization of body sites with other MDROs was common (Fig. 2). Surfaces located close to the patient were commonly recontaminated with C. auris by 4 hours after cleaning, including the overbed table (24%), bed handrail (24%), and TV remote or call button (19%). Environmental cocontamination was more common with resistant gram-positive organisms (MRSA and, VRE) than resistant gram-negative organisms (Fig. 3). C. auris was rarely detected on surfaces located outside a patient’s room (1 of 120 swabs;

This article reports on the adaptation of an undergraduate German curriculum for a distance language education (dle) context. Understanding that dle has evolved over the course of decades, the article reviews literature describing pedagogical and technological developments that are fundamental to understanding current practices in dle. Against this backdrop, a detailed methodology is presented that explains the pedagogical practices that were adopted and adapted following the pandemic-induced shift from classroom-based teaching to dle. Special attention is devoted to the role of synchronous instruction, as well as asynchronous tools that support multiliteracies instruction. The article concludes by considering those curricular innovations that are likely to have a long-lasting impact on the delivery of instruction following a return to classroom-based teaching.

Abstract Background The long time from exposure to potentially harmful chemicals until breast cancer occurrence poses challenges for designing etiologic studies and for implementing successful prevention programs. Growing evidence from animal and human studies indicates that distinct time periods of heightened susceptibility to endocrine disruptors exist throughout the life course. The influence of environmental chemicals on breast cancer risk may be greater during several windows of susceptibility (WOS) in a woman’s life, including prenatal development, puberty, pregnancy, and the menopausal transition. These time windows are considered as specific periods of susceptibility for breast cancer because significant structural and functional changes occur in the mammary gland, as well as alterations in the mammary micro-environment and hormone signaling that may influence risk. Breast cancer research focused on these breast cancer WOS will accelerate understanding of disease etiology and prevention. Main text Despite the plausible heightened mechanistic influences of environmental chemicals on breast cancer risk during time periods of change in the mammary gland’s structure and function, most human studies of environmental chemicals are not focused on specific WOS. This article reviews studies conducted over the past few decades that have specifically addressed the effect of environmental chemicals and metals on breast cancer risk during at least one of these WOS. In addition to summarizing the broader evidence-base specific to WOS, we include discussion of the NIH-funded Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program (BCERP) which included population-based and basic science research focused on specific WOS to evaluate associations between breast cancer risk and particular classes of endocrine-disrupting chemicals—including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, perfluorinated compounds, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and phenols—and metals. We outline ways in which ongoing transdisciplinary BCERP projects incorporate animal research and human epidemiologic studies in close partnership with community organizations and communication scientists to identify research priorities and effectively translate evidence-based findings to the public and policy makers. Conclusions An integrative model of breast cancer research is needed to determine the impact and mechanisms of action of endocrine disruptors at different WOS. By focusing on environmental chemical exposure during specific WOS, scientists and their community partners may identify when prevention efforts are likely to be most effective.

Abstract Background Atypical breast hyperplasias (AH) have a 10-year risk of progression to invasive cancer estimated at 4–7%, with the overall risk of developing breast cancer increased by ~ 4-fold. AH lesions are estrogen receptor alpha positive (ERα+) and represent risk indicators and/or precursor lesions to low grade ERα+ tumors. Therefore, molecular profiles of AH lesions offer insights into the earliest changes in the breast epithelium, rendering it susceptible to oncogenic transformation. Methods In this study, women were selected who were diagnosed with ductal or lobular AH, but no breast cancer prior to or within the 2-year follow-up. Paired AH and histologically normal benign (HNB) tissues from patients were microdissected. RNA was isolated, amplified linearly, labeled, and hybridized to whole transcriptome microarrays to determine gene expression profiles. Genes that were differentially expressed between AH and HNB were identified using a paired analysis. Gene expression signatures distinguishing AH and HNB were defined using AGNES and PAM methods. Regulation of gene networks was investigated using breast epithelial cell lines, explant cultures of normal breast tissue and mouse tissues. Results A 99-gene signature discriminated the histologically normal and AH tissues in 81% of the cases. Network analysis identified coordinated alterations in signaling through ERα, epidermal growth factor receptors, and androgen receptor which were associated with the development of both lobular and ductal AH. Decreased expression of SFRP1 was also consistently lower in AH. Knockdown of SFRP1 in 76N-Tert cells resulted altered expression of 13 genes similarly to that observed in AH. An SFRP1-regulated network was also observed in tissues from mice lacking Sfrp1. Re-expression of SFRP1 in MCF7 cells provided further support for the SFRP1-regulated network. Treatment of breast explant cultures with rSFRP1 dampened estrogen-induced progesterone receptor levels. Conclusions The alterations in gene expression were observed in both ductal and lobular AH suggesting shared underlying mechanisms predisposing to AH. Loss of SFRP1 expression is a significant regulator of AH transcriptional profiles driving previously unidentified changes affecting responses to estrogen and possibly other pathways. The gene signature and pathways provide insights into alterations contributing to AH breast lesions.

Cooperative behaviour among individuals provides a collective benefit, but is considered costly. Using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a model system, the authors show that secretion of the siderophore pyoverdine only incurs a fitness cost and favours cheating when its building blocks carbon or nitrogen are growth-limiting.

The invasive Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus, is ubiquitous in the rocky intertidal zone of the western North Atlantic. A likely contributor to this colonization is that H. sanguineus is able to handle a wide range of salinities, and is thus more likely to spread through a greater geographic area of estuaries. This study investigated the salinity effects on this animal by observing survival across a range of salinities, the maintenance of hemolymph osmolality under different salinities, and behavioral preference for and avoidance of salinities. H. sanguineus showed high survival across a broad range of salinities, had little change in hemolymph osmolality over a short-term salinity shock, and behaviorally distinguished between salinities when presented with a choice, under both acclimation salinities of 5 PSU or 35 PSU. Such results suggest H. sanguineus has a hardiness for the rapid changes in salinity that happen in the intertidal zone, yet is capable of physically moving to a more optimal salinity. This enhances their competitiveness as an invader, particularly surviving lower salinities that present challenges during high-precipitation events in rocky intertidal areas, and partially explains this species’ dominance in this habitat type.

The role of ERβ in prostate cancer is unclear, although loss of ERβ is associated with aggressive disease. Given that mice deficient in ERβ do not develop prostate cancer, we hypothesized that ERβ loss occurs as a consequence of tumorigenesis caused by other oncogenic mechanisms and that its loss is necessary for tumorigenesis. In support of this hypothesis, we found that ERβ is targeted for repression in prostate cancer caused by PTEN deletion and that loss of ERβ is important for tumor formation. ERβ transcription is repressed by BMI-1, which is induced by PTEN deletion and important for prostate tumorigenesis. This finding provides a mechanism for how ERβ expression is regulated in prostate cancer. Repression of ERβ contributes to tumorigenesis because it enables HIF-1/VEGF signaling that sustains BMI-1 expression. These data reveal a positive feedback loop that is activated in response to PTEN loss and sustains BMI-1.

Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is often associated with paraneoplastic syndromes. To assess the role of anti-neuronal autoantibodies (NAAs) as biomarkers of treatment outcome, we assessed NAAs in serial samples from SCLC patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy compared to chemotherapy alone. We evaluated 2 cohorts: in cohort 1 (C1), 47 patients received standard platinum/etoposide, and in cohort 2 (C2), 38 patients received ipilimumab, carboplatin and etoposide. Serum samples at baseline and subsequent time points were analyzed for the presence of NAAs. NAAs were detected at baseline in 25 patients (53.2%) in C1 and in 20 patients (52.6%) in C2 (most frequently anti-Sox1). NAA at baseline was associated with limited disease (75% vs 50%; p: 0.096) and better overall survival (15.1 m vs 11.7 m; p: 0.032) in C1. Thirteen patients (28.9%) showed 2 or more reactivities before treatment; this was associated with worse PFS (5.5 m vs 7.3 m; p: 0.005) in patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy. NAA titers decreased after therapy in 68.9% patients, with no differential patterns of change between cohorts. Patients whose NAA titer decreased after treatment, showed longer OS [18.5 m (95% CI: 15.8 – 21.2)] compared with those whose NAA increased [12.3 m (95% CI: 8.1 – 16.5; p 0.049)], suggesting that antibody levels correlate to tumor load. Our findings reinforce the role of NAAs as prognostic markers and tumor activity/burden in SCLC, warrant further investigation in their predictive role for immunotherapy and raise concern over the use of immunotherapy in patients with more than one anti-NAA reactivity.

Cell-cell communication, also termed quorum sensing (QS), is a widespread process that coordinates gene expression in bacterial populations. The generally accepted view is that QS optimizes the cell density-dependent benefit attained from cooperative behaviors, often in the form of secreted products referred to as “public goods.” This view is challenged by an increasing number of cell-associated products or “private goods” reported to be under QS-control for which a collective benefit is not apparent. A prominent example is nucleoside hydrolase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a periplasmic enzyme that catabolizes adenosine. Several recent studies have shown that private goods can function to stabilize cooperation by co-regulated public goods, seemingly explaining their control by QS. Here we argue that this property is a by-product of selection for other benefits rather than an adaptation. Emphasizing ecophysiological context, we propose alternative explanations for the QS control of private goods. We suggest that the benefit attained from private goods is associated with high cell density, either because a relevant ecological condition correlates with density, or because the private good is, directly or indirectly, involved in cooperative behavior. Our analysis helps guide a systems approach to QS, with implications for antivirulence drug design and synthetic biology.

BackgroundPeripheral vascular disease is a major diabetes mellitus‐related complication. In this study, we noted that expressions of proapoptotic p53 gene and its downstream cascade gene such as p21 are upregulated in hyperglycemia. Therefore, we investigated whether p53‐ and p21‐silenced endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were able to survive in hyperglycemic milieu, and whether transplantation of either p53 knockout (KO) or p21KO or p53‐ and p21‐silenced EPCs could improve collateral vessel formation and blood flow in diabetic vaso‐occlusive peripheral vascular disease mouse models. Methods and ResultsWe transplanted p53 and p21KO mouse EPCs (mEPCs) into streptozotocin–induced diabetic (type 1 diabetes mellitus model) C57BL/6J and db/db (B6.BKS(D)‐Leprdb/J) (type 2 model) post–femoral artery occlusion. Similarly, Ad‐p53–silenced and Ad‐p21–silenced human EPCs (CD34+) cells were transplanted into streptozotocin‐induced diabetic NOD.CB17‐Prkdcscid/J mice. We measured blood flow at 3, 7, and 10 days and hindlimb muscles were obtained postsacrifice for mRNA estimation and CD31 staining. Enhanced blood flow was noted with delivery of p53 and p21KO mEPCs in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic C57BL/6J mice. Similar results were obtained when human Ad‐p53shEPCs(CD34+) and Ad‐p21shEPCs(CD34+) were transplanted into streptozotocin‐induced nonobese diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency mice. Gene expression analysis of p53 and p21KO EPCs transplanted hindlimb muscles showed increased expression of endothelial markers such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1. Similarly, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of human Ad‐p53shEPCs (CD34+)– and Ad‐p21shEPCs (CD34+)–transplanted hindlimb muscles also showed increased expression of endothelial markers such as vascular endothelial growth factor A, noted primarily in the p53‐silenced EPCs group. However, such beneficial effect was not noted in the db/db type 2 diabetic mouse models. ConclusionsTransient silencing of p53 using adenoviral vector in EPCs may have a therapeutic role in diabetic peripheral vascular disease.

Abstract Nongame conservation is insufficiently funded at local, national, and global levels. Despite campaigns and reforms over the past 30 years in the United States, adequate and consistent federal funding has failed to materialize and shifted the focus to state‐level initiatives. We surveyed North Carolina residents during April–May 2010, to assess public willingness to fund nongame conservation, preferred nongame conservation funding mechanisms, and key predictors of support for nongame funding. We estimated a model of willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) using interval‐censored data modeling and compared models using the Akaike Information Criterion. The mean WTP was US$98.80/year/household when respondents were allowed to choose their own tax vehicle, thus removing any payment vehicle bias; an additional sales tax on outdoor recreation equipment was the most preferred funding mechanism. In a follow‐up question, respondents indicated a mean WTP of US$32.92/employed adult (equivalent to about $65/household) annually via a flat income tax. The importance of nongame conservation to respondents, frequency of watching and/or enjoying wildlife, and education were positively related to WTP, whereas age was negatively related to WTP. Prisons were the most popular source from which to reallocate funds to nongame conservation (48%), and respondents believed an average of US$545,000 should be reallocated. Our findings suggested that while the general public indicated that they valued nongame conservation and were amenable to tax increases or reallocations for nongame conservation, they believed that taxes should be user‐based and specialized (e.g., outdoor equipment taxes). These findings highlighted public WTP for nongame conservation even during an economic recession. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.

Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease continue to affect millions of people around the world. Children and adolescents of the developing countries are especially susceptible to this disease. To asses the prevalence of Rheumatic Fever /Rheumatic heart disease in an urban area, we do survey of children aged between 5 to 16 years studying in various government schools in Indore district which were selected randomly. Out of 9879 students enrolled in the study 9526 were examined, the percentage of absentees being ten. Revised Jones criterion (1992) was used for the diagnosis of rheumatic fever. Doppler echocardiography is used to confirm the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease. A total of seven cases of definite rheumatic heart disease (out of 13 suspected cases) were identified giving overall prevalence rate of 0.73 per 1000. Fifty percent rheumatic heart disease cases gave a history suggestive of rheumatic fever. No case of active rheumatic fever could be identified. The study gave lower result than that reported in earlier studies from developing countries but it is similar to that reported from Indore district in 2009. It is concluded that there is some downward trend in rheumatic fever / rheumatic heart disease prevalence but the low prevalence is also due to the use of Doppler echocardiography which has prevented over diagnosis in the present study.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is becoming a major cause of morbidity & mortality burden in the developing world. Indians have been associated with a more severe form of CAD that has its onset at a younger age group with a male predominance. A prospective study was carried out to identify the risk factors and to know the emerging clinical profile in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) including S T elevation & Non S T elevation myocardial infarction. We enrolled 200 consecutive patients with typical ECG changes & clinical history, admitted in emergency department from January 2009 to December 2009. A predefined Performa was completed in every patient with a detailed clinical history, physical examinations, and investigation studies. The clinical history revealed information about age, gender, risk factors, and modes of presentation and duration of symptoms. The details of physical examination including anthropometric data, vital signs and complete systemic evaluation were recorded. The regions of infarction and rhythm disturbances were also documented. Our study showed a significant male predominance with mean age being 56 years. Tobacco was identified as major risk factors (65%) & obesity (BMI more than 25) is least common risk factor (13%).Patients had typical chest pain (94%) and ECG showed anterior wall changes in54%. Forty percent patients developed complications, majority being arrhythmias (60%) and least common is mechanical complication (2.5%) Thus we conclude that ACS is more common in adult male with tobacco being major risk factors in our population.

The majority of patients with gynaecological cancers present with advanced stages in which external beam radiation forms a major component of the treatment. These patients undergo simulation for treatment planning prior to radiation. Currently the lower extent of the disease is evaluated by vaginal examination and marked using a lead wire on the anterior abdominal wall in the pelvic region. A 2 cm margin inferior to this level is used as the lower border of the treatment field. The suggested modified technique includes the placement of an indigenously designed perspex vaginal obturator with graduations at 1 cm distance from its tip. Following vaginal examination the obturator can be inserted into the vagina and fixed at the predefined length using a fixation device. The radio-opaque markers can be seen even in the lateral films. Twentyfive consecutive patients underwent the procedure and the differences between the two methods of marking the lower border were calculated. The external lead wire was inferior to the internal obturator in 19 patients (76%) ranging from 0.5 cm to 3 cm (median 1.5 cm, mean 1.37 cm). It was at the same level in 4 patients (16%) and 1 cm superior to the internal obturator in 2 (8%). With the modified technique using the internal obturator application for delineating the lower border of vaginal disease or vault, it was possible to decrease the length of field thereby reducing the chances of treatment-related toxicity, especially groin and vulval reactions, as well as avoiding treatment interruptions.

Telecollaboration is a type of online learning arrangement between geographically distant participants for the development of language and intercultural competence. After two decades of research, it is an apt time to engage in a systematic review of previous studies in the form of a scoping review in order to illuminate the pedagogical practices commonly used in telecollaboration. The study synthesized 55 distinct telecollaboration projects that took place in university foreign-language classes and utilized synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) tools to answer (1) What are the typical arrangements of SCMC-based telecollaboration (e.g., participants, project set-ups, and interaction set-ups)? and (2) How have SCMC-based telecollaboration projects changed over the last two decades? We identified six commonly adopted arrangements of SCMC-based telecollaboration. We also found that, while certain pedagogical practices in telecollaboration have matured, the field is undergoing reconceptualization and expansion with the advancement of technology and diversification of participants. We conclude the article with suggestions regarding reporting practices in telecollaboration research, thereby enabling more rigorous synthesis in the future.

While many studies have documented the growth of second language abilities and intercultural knowledge as a result of participating in telecollaboration, research has not sufficiently investigated the development of content knowledge in this learning context. In response, this study explores content learning in a university-level, genre-based business German course. Two dyads and two triads of students conducted synchronous audiovisual interviews with Berlin-based entrepreneurs in order to expand upon their existing knowledge of German business culture. The study examines the extent to which L2 German learners were able to perform the genre 'oral interview' via synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) and whether performance afforded learners the opportunity to: 1) display previously acquired content knowledge and 2) acquire new content knowledge. Discourse analysis of four hours of transcribed speech shows that all groups were able to navigate the generic stages of the oral interview. Furthermore, participants used both explicit and implicit means to refer to knowledge gained prior to the exchange and during the exchange. These results provide evidence that genre-based pedagogy can foster integrated content and language learning in SCMC-based telecollaboration by helping learners demonstrate attention, link existing knowledge to new knowledge, and create meaningful connections between different topical areas.